Rabbi's Blog

The world was created with opposites. Good and bad, right and wrong, left and right, hot and cold. We find that many mitzvos have an opposite side to them. The same commandment can have a positive and a negative side to it. For example the mitzva of Shabbos has the element to remember to actively do something to commemorate Shabbos and the negative of Shamor to refrain and not do certain activities on Shabbos.

Before Purim, we are commanded to read parshas Zachor, the portion to remember what Amalek (from whom Haman descended from) did to us as we left Egypt. When it comes to Amalek we must remember what they did and we also have another mitzva to annihilate the entire nation. In today's day, without knowing for sure who is a descendant of Amalek, this Mitzva cannot be carried out in the literal sense. I believe that beyond the actual fulfillment of any Mitzva the Torah commands us to do a Mitzva in the figurative sense.

How do we see Amalek today? The Meam Loaz tells us that the word Amalek (in Hebrew) is numerically equivalent to the Hebrew word Safek meaning doubt. Amalek is that aspect of our souls which creates doubts regarding our service to God. Accordingly, the verse Asher Korcho Baderech, can be translated as "who cooled you off on the way". The Jewish people left Egypt on their way to Mount Sinai to receive the Torah, with enthusiasm and fire. On the way, they met Amalek and doubts began to arise: Should they commit themselves to God and his commandments of the Torah?

Amalek must be totally obliterated since there is no positive quality that corresponds to the doubts and hesitation caused by Amalek. Its influence is totally negative and has no redeeming aspects. Consequently, no trace of Amalek must remain. Our service to Hashem must be alive with warmth and energy.

This is one of the greatest challenges facing the Jewish people today. We are always looking for ways out of doing what is right, double-checking, and questioning if we are doing the right thing by following the Mitzvos and God. We know what's right, let's put Amalek and the doubts behind us. If we put Amalek behind us, then we will be ready for the coming of Moshiach and the rebuilding of the Beis Hamikdash speedily in our day.

Wishing you and your family a Shabbat Shalom and Ah Freilichin Purim